Windows Directions | Macintosh Directions
The University assigns each student computer one (1) IP address (numerical IP address). Therefore, if your laptop computer has both an Ethernet adapter and a wireless network adapter, you will need to disable your wireless network adapter while using your (wired) Ethernet adapter.Even though there are wireless access points in lounges and common areas of the residence halls, the University does not guarantee wireless coverage in individual residence hall rooms. Some residents can pick up a strong wireless signal in their rooms some of the time; however, most residents report that signal strength fades in and out. Therefore, we suggest disabling your computer's wireless card while you are using the Internet in your residence hall room.
Further, if your computer is connected via its (wired) Ethernet adapter and its wireless adapter also senses a nearby wireless access point, you will be unable to connect to the Internet. (Error: Duplicate IP Address)
Windows XP and Windows 2000 Instructions
- Some laptop vendors have added a special function key sequence (often function key F2), utility program, or an external switch or button (often labelled WLAN) to allow you to turn your integrated wireless adapter on and off. Some Gateway, Dell, Sony, and Toshiba models have this feature. Check your computer's documentation for more information.
- If your computer has a wireless card that you plug into an external slot, you can disable the wireless connection by removing the card while you're in your residence hall room.
- If your computer does not have any special method of turning the wireless adapter on and off as needed, use the following directions that should work with all Windows XP and Windows 2000 computers.
- Open the Control Panel. (From the Start button, select Settings, then select Contol Panel).
- Select Network Connections.
- Right-click on the icon for your computer's Wireless Network Connection.
- To disable the wireless ethernet card, select Disable.
- Close the Network Connections window.
- To enable your wireless computer's wireless adapter, repeat steps 1-5; however, in step 4, select Enable when you right-click on the Wireless Network Connection.
Macintosh Instructions
MacOS X allows you to create an icon for AirPort (wireless) in the top menu bar on the computer screen.
- If your computer has an icon like this one in the top toolbar
skip to step 3. (Some or all of the black lines may be grey depending on the strength of the wireless signal.)- To make the AirPort icon visible,
- open System Preferences (either from the system dock or from the Apple menu) and select Network,
- select Airport,
- select Configure,
- place a checkmark in the box labelled Show AirPort status in menu bar, and
- close the system preferences window.
- To disable the wireless card, click on the AirPort icon and select Turn AirPort Off. The lines indicating signal strength will disappear.
- To re-enable the wireless card, click on the AirPort icon and select Turn AirPort On.
IT Help Center
Last updated August 8, 2006
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